Pages

December 23, 2014

Red Dogs and Holiday Blues

Are you feeling a little worn down by hauling out the holly? I know I am. I've noticed some particularly frantic renditions of "Sleigh Ride" in stores lately that unintentionally capture the relentless pace we're often expected to giddy up at this time of year. This morning when Ruby emerged yawning from under the covers and Boca eyed me drowsily from the foot of the bed, I promised them that we would sleep in tomorrow. We have plans to spend Christmas Day with family, but it's otherwise going to be a low-key and relaxed week, with extra-long walks in the daylight, dates with library books and a Harry Potter movie marathon.

I've been struggling to find my festive footing ever since losing my mom in 2010. She and I both have December birthdays, and it was a month-long celebration: from our annual tree-hunting expedition to crafting ornaments or wreaths and painting sugar cookies to lunch and shopping the after-Christmas sales on my birthday. For many years we would each open one gift on Christmas Eve, but when I was in college we switched to opening everything on that night after the annual viewing of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Being a night-owl, I loved this tradition. Things are different now - there is no family home to return to. I put up my own tree one year but haven't since - it seems so lackluster. I run around trying to fulfill obligations, navigate crowds and meet deadlines, leaving little room for much spirit.

Every once in a while, though, I'm buoyed up by the memory of my mother - how her joy and generosity present year-round seemed to shine even more bright this time of year. I'll drive past a house decked all in blue lights - her favorite - and remember how our own twinkled on the spruce in our front window, visible all the way to the barn. I'll find myself singing along to a carol, thinking how we would make up our own funny lyrics to incorporate current events while warming our rumps in front of the wood stove. I remind myself that even if she isn't here, my life is filled with gifts that live on; not the least of which is a deep, incurable and undeniably genetic love of dogs.

It can be a busy, stressful season and it isn't always easy for people. Strained family relations, changing friendships, financial hardship, grieving loved ones...all these things can culminate in feeling "less than" at what we are constantly reminded is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. Take it easy on yourself, do what you can. Accept that invitation and find yourself staying longer than you planned. Watch a movie you haven't seen since childhood. Take a walk in the moonlight, maybe with snow swirling down. Surround yourself with the people and animals you consider family and appreciate your simplest riches: the love of a good dog, the smell of something hearty on the stove, a phone call from an old friend, a day to sleep in.

9 comments:

I completely understand feeling sort of bla at Christmas time. I lost my mom when I was 16 and we didn't have the best relationship because I was a teen and a typical one at that and she wasn't the greatest mom, either! (lots of family drama etc...) but Christmas was HER time. She loved it and every time around this time, I pretty much feel the same way you do and I miss her.

This year it's a bit worse because now both my husband and my relationship with his parents is strained and it's just well bla... and kind of depressing. At least I have the girls. :D

That last paragraph sums it up perfectly for me. Strained family relations, being far away from the rest of the family, financial hardships... I'm feeling it all this year. No matter how much Christmas music I listen to, movies I watch, presents I wrap, I'm just not feeling it this year... maybe that will change tomorrow or on Christmas Day, if not it's OK. Maybe things will be sorted by next Christmas.

It really is quite a blah holiday season for me this year. I can't get into the spirit for some reason. Missing loved ones make such celebrations much tougher. Sending thoughts your way; I know it's a tough time of year for those of us who lost our mothers or other loved ones. I love your suggestions; I'm definitely going to be taking some longer than usual walks with Laika and I think I'd like to rewatch Edward Scissorhands - one of my childhood favorites.

For me this has always been a bittersweet holiday since I can remember, so I try to do less and focus on wanting what I have... I have a friend with two un-corgis and a barn full of muck. I am the lucky one... Wishing everyone the holiday that suits them.

You're absolutely right. This can be a really tough season for people. I grew up in a very traditional household and Christmas has always been a big deal. I definitely brought that into my adulthood. However now with my brother in the Army, this will probably be the last Christmas we all spend together as a family - my siblings and parents together. Matt and I may move out of state next year and so may my sister. We are living it up this year because I have a feeling next Christmas will have a little less spark.

BlogPaws

Copyright and Disclosures

DISCLAIMERI am not a veterinarian, nutritionist, dog trainer or pet professional - simply a girl whose life has gone to the ginger dogs. Please consult the appropriate expert when making any decision affecting your dog's health or well-being.

COPYRIGHTAll words and pictures are my own unless otherwise noted, and are the sole property of Rubicon Days. Please do not reprint without permission and direct link back to this site.

DISCLOSURE

I sometimes receive products in exchange for my honest review, and some product links resulting in purchase on this blog may result in a small commission. The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. Product information published here is a result of my own experience and opinion. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

PRIVACYRubicon Days respects your privacy and will never share your personal information with third parties. We do not store information collected about your visit or activity on Rubicon Days except to analyze website and content performance to optimize your experience and for marketing purposes. This information is collected via cookies and these can be turned off by modifying your browser settings.